2003 DODGE RAM electrical

DISTRIBUTOR ROTOR
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - DISTRIBUTOR
ROTOR - 5.9L V-8
Visually inspect the rotor (Fig. 29) for cracks, evi-
dence of corrosion or the effects of arcing on the metal
tip. Also check for evidence of mechanical interference
with the cap. Some charring is normal on the end of
the metal tip. The silicone-dielectric-varnish-compound
applied to the rotor tip for radio interference noise sup-
pression, will appear charred. This is normal.Do not
remove the charred compound.
Test the spring for
insufficient tension. Replace a rotor that displays any
of these adverse conditions.
IGNITION COIL
DESCRIPTION
3.7L V-6
The 3.7L V-6 engine uses 6 dedicated, and individ-
ually fired coil for each spark plug (Fig. 30). Each
coil is mounted directly into the cylinder head and
onto the top of each spark plug (Fig. 31).
Fig. 28 CAP INSPECTIONÐINTERNALÐTYPICAL
1 - CHARRED OR ERODED TERMINALS
2 - WORN OR DAMAGED ROTOR BUTTON
3 - CARBON PATH
Fig. 29 ROTOR INSPECTIONÐTYPICAL
1 - INSUFFICIENT SPRING TENSION
2 - CRACKS
3 - EVIDENCE OF PHYSICAL CONTACT WITH CAP
4 - ROTOR TIP CORRODED
Fig. 30 IGNITION COIL - 3.7L V-6/ 4.7L V-8
1 - O-RING
2 - IGNITION COIL
3 - ELECTRICAL CONNECTOR
Fig. 31 IGNITION COIL LOCATION - 3.7L V-6
1 - IGNITION COIL
2 - COIL MOUNTING NUT
DRIGNITION CONTROL 8I - 19
DISTRIBUTOR CAP (Continued)

4.7L V-8
The 4.7L V±8 engine uses 8 dedicated, and individ-
ually fired coil (Fig. 30) for each spark plug. Each
coil is mounted directly to the top of each spark plug
(Fig. 32).
5.7L V-8
The 5.7L V±8 engine uses 8 dedicated, and individ-
ually fired coil (Fig. 33) for each pair of spark plugs.
Each coil is mounted directly to the top of each spark
plug (Fig. 34). Each coil is bolted to the valve cover.
5.9L V-8
A single ignition coil is used (Fig. 35) or (Fig. 36).
The coil is not oil filled. The coil windings are embed-
ded in an epoxy compound. This provides heat and
vibration resistance that allows the coil to be
mounted on the engine.
8.0L V-10
Two separate coil packs containing a total of five
independent coils are attached to a common mount-
ing bracket. They are located above the right engine
valve cover (Fig. 37). The coil packs are not oil filled.
The front coil pack contains three independent epoxy
filled coils. The rear coil pack contains two indepen-
dent epoxy filled coils.
OPERATION
3.7L V-6
Battery voltage is supplied to the 6 individual igni-
tion coils from the ASD relay. The Powertrain Con-
trol Module (PCM) opens and closes each ignition coil
ground circuit at a determined time for ignition coil
operation.
Base ignition timing is not adjustable.By con-
trolling the coil ground circuit, the PCM is able to set
the base timing and adjust the ignition timing
advance. This is done to meet changing engine oper-
ating conditions.
The ignition coil is not oil filled. The windings are
embedded in an epoxy compound. This provides heat
and vibration resistance that allows the ignition coil
to be mounted on the engine.
Because of coil design, spark plug cables (second-
ary cables) are not used with the 3.7L V-6 engine.
Fig. 32 IGNITION COIL LOCATION - 4.7L V-8
1 - IGNITION COIL
2 - COIL ELECTRICAL CONNECTOR
3 - COIL MOUNTING STUD/NUT
Fig. 33 IGNITION COIL - 5.7L V-8
1 - IGNITION COIL
2 - MOUNTING BOLTS (2)
3 - BOOT TO SPARK PLUG
8I - 20 IGNITION CONTROLDR
IGNITION COIL (Continued)

The PCM adjusts ignition timing based on inputs it
receives from:
²The engine coolant temperature sensor
²The crankshaft position sensor (engine speed)
²The camshaft position sensor (crankshaft posi-
tion)
²The manifold absolute pressure (MAP) sensor
²The throttle position sensor
²Transmission gear selection
REMOVAL
3.7L V-6
An individual ignition coil is used for each spark
plug (Fig. 30). The coil fits into machined holes in the
cylinder head. A mounting stud/nut secures each coil
to the top of the intake manifold (Fig. 31). The bot-
tom of the coil is equipped with a rubber boot to seal
the spark plug to the coil. Inside each rubber boot is
a spring. The spring is used for a mechanical contact
between the coil and the top of the spark plug. These
rubber boots and springs are a permanent part of the
coil and are not serviced separately. An o-ring (Fig.
30) is used to seal the coil at the opening into the cyl-
inder head.
(1) Depending on which coil is being removed, the
throttle body air intake tube or intake box may need
to be removed to gain access to coil.
(2) Disconnect electrical connector from coil by
pushing downward on release lock on top of connec-
tor and pull connector from coil.
(3) Clean area at base of coil with compressed air
before removal.
(4) Remove coil mounting nut from mounting stud
(Fig. 31).
(5) Carefully pull up coil from cylinder head open-
ing with a slight twisting action.
(6) Remove coil from vehicle.
4.7L V-8
An individual ignition coil is used for each spark
plug (Fig. 30). The coil fits into machined holes in the
cylinder head. A mounting stud/nut secures each coil
to the top of the intake manifold (Fig. 32). The bot-
tom of the coil is equipped with a rubber boot to seal
the spark plug to the coil. Inside each rubber boot is
a spring. The spring is used for a mechanical contact
between the coil and the top of the spark plug. These
rubber boots and springs are a permanent part of the
coil and are not serviced separately. An o-ring (Fig.
30) is used to seal the coil at the opening into the cyl-
inder head.
(1) Depending on which coil is being removed, the
throttle body air intake tube or intake box may need
to be removed to gain access to coil.(2) Disconnect electrical connector (Fig. 32) from
coil by pushing downward on release lock on top of
connector and pull connector from coil.
(3) Clean area at base of coil with compressed air
before removal.
(4) Remove coil mounting nut from mounting stud
(Fig. 32).
(5) Carefully pull up coil from cylinder head open-
ing with a slight twisting action.
(6) Remove coil from vehicle.
5.7L V-8
Before removing or disconnecting any spark plug
cables, note their original position. Remove cables
one-at-a-time. To prevent ignition crossfire, spark
plug cablesMUSTbe placed in cable tray (routing
loom) into their original position.
An individual ignition coil (Fig. 33) is used at each
cylinder. The coil mounts to the top of the valve cover
with 2 bolts (Fig. 34). The bottom of the coil is
equipped with a rubber boot to seal the spark plug to
the coil. Inside each rubber boot is a spring. The
spring is used for a mechanical contact between the
coil and the top of the spark plug.
(1) Depending on which coil is being removed, the
throttle body air intake tube or intake box may need
to be removed to gain access to coil.
(2) Unlock electrical connector (Fig. 34) by moving
slide lock first. Press on release lock (Fig. 34) while
pulling electrical connector from coil.
(3) Disconnect secondary high-voltage cable from
coil with a twisting action.
(4) Clean area at base of coil with compressed air
before removal.
(5) Remove 2 mounting bolts (note that mounting
bolts are retained to coil).
(6) Carefully pull up coil from cylinder head open-
ing with a slight twisting action.
(7) Remove coil from vehicle.
(8) Before installing spark plug cables to either the
spark plugs or coils, or before installing a coil to a
spark plug, apply dielectric grease to inside of boots.
5.9L V-8
The coil is not oil filled. The coil windings are
embedded in an epoxy compound. This provides heat
and vibration resistance that allows the coil to be
mounted on the engine. If the coil is replaced, it must
be replaced with the same type.
5.9L V-8 LDC-Gas Engines: The coil is mounted to
a bracket that is bolted to the front of the right
engine cylinder head (Fig. 35). This bracket is
mounted on top of the automatic belt tensioner
bracket using common bolts.
DRIGNITION CONTROL 8I - 23
IGNITION COIL (Continued)

WARNING: 5.9L V-8 LDC-GAS ENGINES: DO NOT
REMOVE THE COIL MOUNTING BRACKET-TO-CYL-
INDER HEAD MOUNTING BOLTS. THE COIL
MOUNTING BRACKET IS UNDER ACCESSORY
DRIVE BELT TENSION. IF THIS BRACKET IS TO BE
REMOVED FOR ANY REASON, ALL BELT TENSION
MUST FIRST BE RELIEVED. REFER TO THE BELT
SECTION OF GROUP 7, COOLING SYSTEM.
5.9L V-8 HDC-Gas Engine: The coil is mounted to
a bracket that is bolted to the air injection pump
(AIR pump) mounting bracket (Fig. 36).
(1) Disconnect primary coil connector from ignition
coil.
(2) Disconnect secondary cable from ignition coil.
(3) Remove ignition coil from coil mounting
bracket (two bolts).
8.0L V-10
Two separate coil packs containing a total of five
independent coils are attached to a common mount-
ing bracket located above the right engine valve
cover (Fig. 37). The front and rear coil packs can be
serviced separately.
(1) Depending on which coil is being removed, the
throttle body air intake tube or intake box may need
to be removed to gain access to coils.
(2) Remove secondary spark plug cables from coil
packs. Note position of cables before removal.
(3) Disconnect primary wiring harness connectors
at coil packs.
(4) Remove four (4) coil pack-to-coil mounting
bracket bolts for coil pack being serviced (Fig. 37).
(5) Remove coil(s) from mounting bracket.
INSTALLATION
3.7L V-6
(1) Using compressed air, blow out any dirt or con-
taminants from around top of spark plug.
(2) Check condition of coil o-ring and replace as
necessary. To aid in coil installation, apply silicone to
coil o-ring.
(3) Position ignition coil into cylinder head opening
and push onto spark plug. Do this while guiding coil
base over mounting stud.
(4) Install coil mounting stud nut. Refer to torque
specifications.
(5) Connect electrical connector to coil by snapping
into position.
(6) If necessary, install throttle body air tube.
4.7L V-8
(1) Using compressed air, blow out any dirt or con-
taminants from around top of spark plug.
(2) Check condition of coil o-ring and replace as
necessary. To aid in coil installation, apply silicone to
coil o-ring.
(3) Position ignition coil into cylinder head opening
and push onto spark plug. Do this while guiding coil
base over mounting stud.
(4) Install coil mounting stud nut. Refer to torque
specifications.
(5) Connect electrical connector to coil by snapping
into position.
(6) If necessary, install throttle body air tube.
5.7L V-8
(1) Using compressed air, blow out any dirt or con-
taminants from around top of spark plug.
(2) Before installing spark plug cables to either the
spark plugs or coils, or before installing a coil to a
spark plug, apply dielectric grease to inside of boots.
(3) Position ignition coil into cylinder head opening
and push onto spark plug. Twist coil into position.
(4) Install 2 coil mounting bolts. Refer to torque
specifications.
(5) Connect electrical connector to coil by snapping
into position.
(6) Install cable to coil. To prevent ignition cross-
fire, spark plug cablesMUSTbe placed in cable tray
(routing loom) into their original position. Refer to
Spark Plug Cable Removal for a graphic.
(7) If necessary, install throttle body air tube.
5.9L V-8
The ignition coil is an epoxy filled type. If the coil
is replaced, it must be replaced with the same type.
(1) Install ignition coil to coil bracket. If nuts and
bolts are used to secure coil to coil bracket, tighten to
11 N´m (100 in. lbs.) torque. If coil mounting bracket
has been tapped for coil mounting bolts, tighten bolts
to 5 N´m (50 in. lbs.) torque.
(2) Connect all wiring to ignition coil.
8.0L V-10
(1) Position coil packs to mounting bracket (prima-
ry wiring connectors face downward).
(2) Install coil pack mounting bolts. Tighten bolts
to 10 N´m (90 in. lbs.) torque.
(3) Install coil pack-to-engine mounting bracket (if
necessary).
(4) Connect primary wiring connectors to coil
packs (four wire connector to front coil pack and
three wire connector to rear coil pack).
(5) Connect secondary spark plug cables to coil
packs. Refer to (Fig. 38) for correct cable order.
8I - 24 IGNITION CONTROLDR
IGNITION COIL (Continued)

(4) Remove sensors from engine.5.7L V8
Two sensors are used. Each sensor is bolted into
the outside of cylinder block below the exhaust man-
ifold (Fig. 41).
(1) Raise vehicle.
(2) Disconnect knock sensor electrical connector.
(3) Remove sensor mounting bolt (Fig. 41). Note
foam strip on bolt threads. This foam is used only to
retain the bolts to sensors for plant assembly. It is
not used as a sealant. Do not apply any adhesive,
sealant or thread locking compound to these bolts.
(4) Remove sensor from engine.
INSTALLATION
3.7L V-6 / 4.7L V-8
NOTE: The left sensor is identified by an identifica-
tion tag (LEFT). It is also identified by a larger bolt
head. The Powertrain Control Module (PCM) must
have and know the correct sensor left/right posi-
tions. Do not mix the sensor locations.
(1) Thoroughly clean knock sensor mounting holes.
(2) Install sensors into cylinder block.
Fig. 39 KNOCK SENSOR Ð 3.7L V-6
1 - KNOCK SENSORS (2)
2 - MOUNTING BOLTS
Fig. 40 KNOCK SENSOR Ð 4.7L V-8
1 - KNOCK SENSORS (2)
2 - MOUNTING BOLTS
3 - INTAKE MANIFOLD (CUTAWAY)
4 - PIGTAIL CONNECTOR
Fig. 41 5.7L KNOCK SENSOR (RIGHT SENSOR
SHOWN)
1 - KNOCK SENSOR (RIGHT SENSOR SHOWN)
2 - MOUNTING BOLT
3 - EXHAUST MANIFOLD
4 - RIGHT ENGINE MOUNT
5 - ELEC. CONNECTOR
8I - 26 IGNITION CONTROLDR
KNOCK SENSOR (Continued)

NOTE: Over or under tightening the sensor mount-
ing bolts will affect knock sensor performance, pos-
sibly causing improper spark control. Always use
the specified torque when installing the knock sen-
sors. The torque for the knock senor bolt is rela-
tively light for an 8mm bolt.
NOTE: Note foam strip on bolt threads. This foam is
used only to retain the bolts to sensors for plant
assembly. It is not used as a sealant. Do not apply
any adhesive, sealant or thread locking compound
to these bolts.
(3) Install and tighten mounting bolts. Refer to
torque specification.
(4) Install intake manifold. Refer to Engine sec-
tion.
(5) Connect knock sensor wiring harness to engine
harness at rear of intake manifold.
5.7L V-8
(1) Thoroughly clean knock sensor mounting hole.
(2) Install sensor into cylinder block.
NOTE: Over or under tightening the sensor mount-
ing bolts will affect knock sensor performance, pos-
sibly causing improper spark control. Always use
the specified torque when installing the knock sen-
sors. The torque for the knock senor bolt is rela-
tively light for an 8mm bolt.
NOTE: Note foam strip on bolt threads. This foam is
used only to retain the bolts to sensors for plant
assembly. It is not used as a sealant. Do not apply
any adhesive, sealant or thread locking compound
to these bolts.
(3) Install and tighten mounting bolt. Refer to
torque specification.
(4) Install electrical connector to sensor.
SPARK PLUG
DESCRIPTION
Resistor type spark plugs are used on all engines.
Sixteen spark plugs (2 per cylinder) are used with
5.7L V-8 engines.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - SPARK PLUG
CONDITIONS
To prevent possible pre-ignition and/or mechanical
engine damage, the correct type/heat range/number
spark plug must be used.
Always use the recommended torque when tighten-
ing spark plugs. Incorrect torque can distort the
spark plug and change plug gap. It can also pull the
plug threads and do possible damage to both the
spark plug and the cylinder head.
Remove the spark plugs and examine them for
burned electrodes and fouled, cracked or broken por-
celain insulators. Keep plugs arranged in the order
in which they were removed from the engine. A sin-
gle plug displaying an abnormal condition indicates
that a problem exists in the corresponding cylinder.
Replace spark plugs at the intervals recommended in
the Lubrication and Maintenance section.
Spark plugs that have low mileage may be cleaned
and reused if not otherwise defective, carbon or oil
fouled.
CAUTION: Never use a motorized wire wheel brush
to clean the spark plugs. Metallic deposits will
remain on the spark plug insulator and will cause
plug misfire.
Spark plug resistance values range from 6,000 to
20,000 ohms (when checked with at least a 1000 volt
spark plug tester).Do not use an ohmmeter to
check the resistance values of the spark plugs.
Inaccurate readings will result.
NORMAL OPERATING
The few deposits present on the spark plug will
probably be light tan or slightly gray in color. This is
evident with most grades of commercial gasoline
(Fig. 42). There will not be evidence of electrode
burning. Gap growth will not average more than
approximately 0.025 mm (.001 in) per 3200 km (2000
miles) of operation. Spark plugs that have normal
wear can usually be cleaned, have the electrodes
filed, have the gap set and then be installed.
Some fuel refiners in several areas of the United
States have introduced a manganese additive (MMT)
for unleaded fuel. During combustion, fuel with MMT
causes the entire tip of the spark plug to be coated
with a rust colored deposit. This rust color can be
misdiagnosed as being caused by coolant in the com-
bustion chamber. Spark plug performance may be
affected by MMT deposits.
DRIGNITION CONTROL 8I - 27
KNOCK SENSOR (Continued)

IGNITION COIL CAPACITOR
DESCRIPTION
One coil capacitor is used. It is located in the right-
rear section of the engine compartment.
OPERATION
The coil capacitor(s) help dampen the amount of
conducted electrical noise to the camshaft position
sensor, crankshaft position sensor, and throttle posi-
tion sensor. This noise is generated on the 12V sup-
ply wire to the ignition coils and fuel injectors.
REMOVAL
The coil capacitor is located in the right-rear sec-
tion of the engine compartment. It is attached with a
mounting stud and nut.
(1) Disconnect electrical connector at capacitor
(Fig. 52).
(2) Remove mounting nut and remove ground
strap.
(3) Remove capacitor.
INSTALLATION
(1) Position capacitor to mounting stud.
(2) Position ground strap to mounting stud.
(3) Tighten nut to 7 N´m (60 in. lbs.) torque.
(4) Connect electrical connector to coil capacitor.
SPARK PLUG CABLE
DESCRIPTION
Spark plug cables are sometimes referred to as sec-
ondary ignition wires, or secondary ignition cables.
Plug cables are used only on the 5.7L V-8, 5.9L V-8
and 8.0L V-10 engines.
OPERATION
The spark plug cables transfer electrical current
from the ignition coil(s) and/or distributor, to individ-
ual spark plugs at each cylinder. The resistive spark
plug cables are of nonmetallic construction. The
cables provide suppression of radio frequency emis-
sions from the ignition system.
Plug cables are used only on the 5.7L V-8, 5.9L V-8
and 8.0L V-10 engines.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - SPARK PLUG
CABLES
Cable routing is important on certain engines. To
prevent possible ignition crossfire, be sure the cables
are clipped into the plastic routing looms. Refer to
Spark Plug Cable Removal for addditional informa-
tion. Try to prevent any one cable from contacting
another. Before removing cables, note their original
location and routing. Never allow one cable to be
twisted around another.
Check the spark plug cable connections for good
contact at the coil(s), distributor cap towers (if appli-
caple), and spark plugs. Terminals should be fully
seated. The insulators should be in good condition
and should fit tightly on the coil, distributor and
spark plugs. Spark plug cables with insulators that
are cracked or torn must be replaced.
Clean high voltage ignition cables with a cloth
moistened with a non-flammable solvent. Wipe the
cables dry. Check for brittle or cracked insulation.
On 5.9L V-8 engines, spark plug cable heat shields
are pressed into the cylinder head to surround each
spark plug cable boot and spark plug (Fig. 53). These
shields protect the spark plug boots from damage
(due to intense engine heat generated by the exhaust
manifolds) and should not be removed. After the
spark plug cable has been installed, the lip of the
cable boot should have a small air gap to the top of
the heat shield (Fig. 53).
TESTING
When testing secondary cables for damage with an
oscilloscope, follow the instructions of the equipment
manufacturer.
If an oscilloscope is not available, spark plug cables
may be tested as follows:
Fig. 52 CAPACITOR LOCATION
1 - COIL CAPACITOR
2 - MOUNTING STUD
3 - GROUND STRAP
4 - MOUNTING NUT
5 - ELEC. CONNECT.
DRIGNITION CONTROL 8I - 33

WASHER FLUID INDICATOR
DESCRIPTION.........................42
OPERATION...........................42WATER-IN-FUEL INDICATOR
DESCRIPTION.........................43
OPERATION...........................43
INSTRUMENT CLUSTER
DESCRIPTION
The instrument cluster for this model is an Elec-
troMechanical Instrument Cluster (EMIC) that is
located in the instrument panel above the steering
column opening, directly in front of the driver (Fig.
1). The remainder of the EMIC, including the mounts
and the electrical connections, are concealed within
the instrument panel behind the cluster bezel.
Besides analog gauges and indicators, the EMIC
module incorporates two blue-green digital Vacuum
Fluorescent Display (VFD) units for displaying odom-
eter/trip odometer information, engine hours, auto-
matic transmission gear selector position (PRNDL),
several warning or reminder indications and certain
diagnostic information. The instrument cluster for
this model also includes the hardware and software
necessary to serve as the electronic body control mod-
ule and is sometimes referred to as the Cab Com-
partment Node or CCN.
The EMIC gauges and indicators are visible
through a dedicated opening in the cluster bezel on
the instrument panel and are protected by a clear
plastic cluster lens (Fig. 2) that is integral to a clus-
ter lens, hood and mask unit. Just behind the cluster
lens is the cluster hood and an integral cluster mask,
which are constructed of molded black plastic. The
cluster hood serves as a visor and shields the face of
the cluster from ambient light and reflections to
reduce glare, while the cluster mask serves to sepa-
rate and define the individual gauges and indicators
of the EMIC. A black plastic odometer/trip odometerswitch button protrudes through dedicated holes in
the cluster mask and the cluster lens, located near
the lower edge of the cluster just to the left of the
tachometer. The molded plastic EMIC lens, hood and
mask unit has four integral mounting tabs, one each
on the upper and lower outboard corners of the unit.
These mounting tabs are used to secure the EMIC to
the molded plastic instrument panel cluster carrier
with four screws.
The rear of the cluster housing and the EMIC elec-
tronic circuitry are protected by a molded plastic rear
cover, which is secured to the cluster housing with a
single screw, while eight screws installed around the
outside perimeter of the rear cover secure it to the
cluster lens, hood and mask unit. The rear cover
includes clearance holes for service access to each of
the eleven incandescent bulb and bulb holder units
installed on the cluster circuit board for general illu-
mination lighting and for the cluster connector recep-
tacles. The connector receptacles on the back of the
cluster electronic circuit board connect the EMIC to
the vehicle electrical system through three take outs
with connectors from the instrument panel wire har-
ness. The EMIC also has an integral interface con-
nector on the back of the cluster circuit board that
joins it to the optional external RKE receiver through
a connector receptacle that is integral to that unit.
The rear cover includes a molded receptacle and two
latch features to secure the RKE receiver on vehicles
that are so equipped.
Sandwiched between the rear cover and the lens,
hood and mask unit is the cluster housing. The
Fig. 1 Instrument Cluster
1 - INSTRUMENT PANEL
2 - INSTRUMENT CLUSTER
Fig. 2 Instrument Cluster Components
1 - SCREW (9)
2 - REAR COVER
3 - CLUSTER HOUSING
4 - LENS, HOOD & MASK
8J - 2 INSTRUMENT CLUSTERDR